Gerard Zeller - Obituary

erard A. “Jerry” Zeller, 75, of Davidsonville, MD, passed away peacefully on February 27, 2016. Born on January 6, 1941 in Baltimore to the late John and Marie Zeller, Jerry graduated from Sacred Heart Elementary School in Highlandtown and Mount Saint Joseph High School in Catonsville. He received Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees from Loyola College in Baltimore. After serving in the U.S. Marine Corps, Jerry enjoyed a career of varied positions in the private sector and Federal Government. He was Assistant Director of Administration for the U.S. Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service. He was Vice President of the CopyComposer Corporation during which time he was awarded a U.S. patent as a co-inventor of the CopyComposer computer, a forerunner of today’s PC microcomputers. Jerry also served as Systems Development Director and Vice President of Information Systems and Networks Corporation. He finished his career at the U.S. Department of Commerce, serving in several positions of responsibility in Information Systems with NOAA and the Office of the Secretary. Throughout his career, he was often sought to be a guest speaker and panel member at Information Systems symposia. Jerry was active in the Optimists International organization in the Ellicott City and Pasadena areas. He was a charter member of the Ilchester Optimist Club where he served as Honor Club President and Treasurer and on a number of committees and function assignments. He was also a member of the Pasadena Optimist Club where he served as Secretary-Treasurer and Acting President. While living in Davidsonville, Jerry was active at Holy Family Catholic Church and served on the parish’s Building and Finance Committees. He was also on the Board of Directors of the Sylvan View Community Association and served as Treasurer of the St. Mary’s PFA in Annapolis. Jerry enjoyed videography and he filmed many lacrosse and football games for the Davidsonville Athletic Association and St. Mary’s High School. He would produce season highlight films, adding musical sound tracks, and distribute copies to participating athletes and their families. Jerry was preceded in death by his loving wife of 46 years, Elizabeth “Bonnie” Zeller, who died in 2010, and a brother, James Zeller. He is survived by three children, Kimberlee (Brent) Shaw of Annapolis, Karen (Robert) Crosby of Bowie and Mark Zeller of Parkville; five grandchildren, Rebecca and Connor Shaw, Abigail and Benjamin Crosby and Luke Zeller; and one brother, Jack (Diane) Zeller of Manchester. Friends are invited to celebrate Jerry’s life with his family from 3 to 5 and 7 to 9 p.m. on Tuesday, March 1 at the George P. Kalas Funeral Home, 2973 Solomons Island Road, Edgewater. A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, March 2 at Holy Family Catholic Church, 826 W. Central Avenue, Davidsonville. Interment Lakemont Memorial Gardens in Davidsonville. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Hospice of the Chesapeake, 90 Ritchie Highway, Pasadena, MD 21122. You may sign the on-line guest book by using the link on this page.